Binding technology, regional cooperation, Buddhism and economy, PM Modi addresses the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Nepal
Kathmandu, August 31: Connecting chords of diplomacy and bilateral relations taking it further to establish a peaceful and prosperous association with countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitches for connecting wide spectrum of religion, technology, economy with its "Neighborhood First" policy.
Asserting that binding the countries not just with diplomatic relations, the neighbors for centuries have been associated with civilization, history, art, language, food and the unbreakable bonds of our shared culture. With having the Himalayan region on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, Bay of Bengal has special significance for all of our development, security, and progress. And, therefore, the combination of both India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East", is in the region of the Bay of Bengal which demands a peaceful and prosperous connection.
Speaking at the fourth BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on regional connectivity, connecting chords of Buddhism, economic integration, digital connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
Peace, prosperity, and happiness are our biggest priorities
As developing countries, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the point that the countries are actually interrelated with the theme of connectivity. To take this further, we need to connect with Trade connectivity, Economic connectivity, Transport connectivity, Digital connectivity, and People- Two-Pipeline Connectivity. India is ready to host the BIMSTEC Start-Up Conclave to increase connectivity and connectivity among our entrepreneurs. For cooperating on education and development, India will organize an International Conference on Climate-Smart Farming Systems. In the field of digital connectivity, India has established its National Knowledge Network in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are already committed to increase.
Attaching through Buddhism and contemplation
Welcoming the countries to attend the International Buddhist Conclave which will be hosted by India in August 2020, aims to promote the connection between the young generations. For the young students of BIMSTEC countries, thirty scholarships and twelve research fellowships will also be given for advanced medicine in the Ziparar Institute at Nalanda University. Under India's ITEC program Tourism, environment, disaster management, renewable energy, agriculture, trade and WT Hundred short-term training courses have been looked forward to. Reviving the historical monumental linkages, PM Modi urged to take full advantage of this with to enhance the rising potential of tourism. India also aims to establish a Center of Bay of Bengal Studies at Nalanda University for research on maritime laws and other subjects. In this center, students can also research the languages related to each other's languages.
Efforts for regional integration and economic progress
To ensure the success of shared efforts for regional integration and economic progress and prosperity it is necessary that there should be an atmosphere of peace and security in our area. The geographical location of our region is linked to the global maritime trade routes, and in all of our economies, Blue Economy also has a special significance. the importance of the cyber economy for our economies in the coming digital era will also increase. It is clear that in our regional security cooperation, we have to take concrete steps towards strengthening cooperation on all these subjects. PM Modi welcomed the Concept of BIMSTEC Multi-National Military Field Training Exercise and Army Chief, being held in India next month. India will also host a Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise from BIMSTEC countries. India is also ready to host the second annual BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise. India also aims to cooperate in capacity building for the officers working in the area of disaster management. India will organize a Hackathon of youth from all BIMSTEC countries on Blue Economy. This will focus on the possibilities and cooperation of Blue Economy.
Counter-terrorism
PM Modi on topics related to narcotics said, as members of BIMSTEC, we are ready to organize a conference in BIMSTEC frame-work. It is clear that these problems are not law and order problems of any one country. We have to be united to face them. And for this, we have to frame the framework of reasonable rules and regulations. In this context, our law-makers, especially women's MPs, can be helpful in mutual contact. I propose that we should set up the BIMSTEC Women's Parlava -Matarians Forum.
Lastly, PM Modi said, BIMSTEC has made remarkable progress in the last two decades. There are many possibilities now to deepen our economic integration. This fourth summit is a great opportunity to take concrete steps towards meeting the expectations, hopes, and desires of our people. Declaration of this fourth summit boasts many important decisions in itself. This will give a lot of strength to the organization and process of BIMSTEC.